If you haven’t experienced it before, you should check out the the Washington DC fireworks!

For most of us who are not in Washington DC at the moment, we can watch the Washinton DC fireworks on PBS Television tonight: A Capitol Fourth 2013. Every year has been just AWESOME!! PBS TV runs the program live and then re-runs it again for those who missed it! Here is the link: http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/

Going by car is not suggested. Use public transportation, i.e. take the Metro! Stations nearby include Smithsonian, Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Judiciary Square, Federal Triangle and L’Enfant Plaza. The Smithsonian Metro station will be open all day! It typically takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to clear the Mall after the fireworks.

If you must drive, here are parking garages near the Mall – but I’m not sure all of them will be available: Parking suggestions MAP

On the 4th of July all visitors must go through security checkpoints to enter the National Mall and areas along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Coolers, backpacks, packages and persons will be subject to inspection. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages and the use of personal fireworks are prohibited.

I’ve shared this through the years now. You are in for a treat if you haven’t done this before — you should check out the the Washington DC fireworks on PBS Television on the Fourth of July! The last three years were just AWESOME!! PBS TV runs the program live and then re-runs it again for those who missed it! It just keeps on getting better and better. The 31st annual broadcast of the Washington DC fireworks will air live in HD on PBS Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 8 p.m. ET (check local listings). The facebook page is here!

You are in for a treat if you haven’t done this before — you should check out the the Washington DC fireworks on PBS Television on the Fourth of July! The last two years were just AWESOME!! PBS TV runs the program live and then re-runs it again for those who missed it! Here is the link: http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/

Today’s Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival parade did go on as planned, thanks to the terse last-minute budget agreements made last night. Other sources said it would have gone on anyway. Here is a list of family activities for the festival – which is officially over tomorrow, but the trees don’t know that! They are so gorgeous in full bloom! The family activities can happen any time, too! Next year will be the centennial celebration of the festival in Washington DC. Plans are already in the making for the extra special 2012 event.

There are cherry blossom festivals all over the world, of course, and here is a selection of photos of beautiful photos.

The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. will present The ECHO Project (Education through Cultural and Historical Organizations) performance of Celebrate – Song, Dance and Story! It takes us on a journey down life’s paths – from childhood to love and marriage and beyond. “Through these songs, dances, and stories of challenges and triumphs, we learn the cultural values of these communities – whether about respect for ancestral ways or the dangers of jealousy and vanity.”

Visit Echospace for more info. This page has several videos of musical instruments from several different cultures. Personal and family values are illustrated and learned through cultural stories. Do take the family to experience this special performance if you are in the D.C. area this weekend!

Quick! Get out there, you folks in the Washington DC area!!
Friday, August 6, 2010 | 10 – 11 AM — or plan to participate in the August 20 release!!

Please join the staff of the National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian’s Horticulture Services Division as they release native ladybugs in the Native Croplands on the south side of the museum. These natural pest controls are an eco-friendly and fun way to control pests in the landscape.
Time Detail: (weather permitting)
Categories: Demonstrations, Kids & Families
Venue: American Indian Museum
Event Location: Outdoor Croplands (near Maryland Ave. entrance, south side) (weather permitting)
Cost: Free
Continues: Repeats Friday, August 20

Hok-noth-da? (Did you hear?)—Listen! I Have a Story to Tell
Friday, August 6, 2010 | 11:30 AM – 12 PM

(for ages 5-9) A Native staff member reads books by or about Native Americans. “Hok-noth-da?” means “Did you hear?” in the Shawnee language.

June through August 2010:
• Most days: 11:30 AM

Note
– Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Categories: Kids & Families
Venue: American Indian Museum
Event Location: Resource Center, 3rd Level
Cost: Free; walk-in

If you haven’t experienced it before, you should check out the the Washington DC fireworks on PBS Television tonight. Last year was just AWESOME!! PBS TV runs the program live and then re-runs it again for those who missed it! Here is the link: http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/